Bus Operators Pledge To Improve Services After Complaints From Passengers

Bus operators have pledged to do better after meeting with Harborough’s MP.

Neil O’Brien and local councillors held talks with Arriva and Stagecoach following increasing complaints from passengers about cancelled and delayed services through Market Harborough, including the X3 and X7.

Both companies blame driver shortages for the difficulties, but say steps are being taken to deal with that, including hiring agency drivers.

They have also said they will work more closely together, to ensure buses running on the same route between Market Harborough and Leicester are more coordinated, instead of services running at similar times.

Cllr Kevin Feltham, Neil O’Brien MP, Simon Mathieson from Arriva, Cllr Phil King, Cllr Barry Champion

Mr O’Brien said: “The meetings were incredibly useful, and I was encouraged by what the companies had to say. The main reasons for recent delays and cancellations have been shortages of drivers, and Arriva have taken steps to fill vacant positions by hiring agency drivers and bribing them into the county from elsewhere. Longer term, the company have changed their recruitment processes and more new recruits are currently going through training.

“At present there are often two buses from different companies coming at once and then a gap of nearly an hour to the next one. That’s crazy and we need better coordination so we can get one every half an hour.

“That’s why Government has changed the law to get bus companies and councils to work together via Enhanced Partnerships to improve local bus services.

“I will be pressing for such a partnership on the A6 and Arriva and Stagecoach are starting discussions with Leicestershire County Council about creating a more regular service along the A6 corridor. Together with local councillors I will be doing all I can to push this forward.”

A spokesperson for Arriva told HFM: “We are pleased to be working with local stakeholders to deliver benefits to customers through Enhanced Partnership, with the first coordinated multi-operator timetables in Leicestershire expected to go live this February.  We hope to introduce further coordinated timetables in other parts of the county later this year, including the A6 corridor, and look forward to working with Mr O’Brien and local Councillors in taking this forward.

“We are currently recruiting for a number of full- and part-time bus driver roles in Leicestershire offering permanent and stable employment with job security and competitive rates of pay.  Full training is provided for new bus drivers, allowing you to earn as you learn with a comprehensive training programme and experienced instructors.  To find out more about joining our driving team visit arrivabusjobs.co.uk”

“The first of our 36 brand new buses for Leicestershire have already taken to the road, with the remainder entering service over the next few weeks.